Casinos to reopen on 17th May – but what will change?
Casinos are set to re-open on the 17th May as part of the First Minister’s plan to unlock Wales. After many months of closures due to coronavirus, brick and mortar gaming establishments will finally be able to offer gambling services in Wales. Betting shops have already re-opened to eager sports bettors.
The land-based casino sector has been hard hit by the pandemic – with thousands of jobs estimated to be lost. Despite a brief reopening during the Summer, casinos were once again shuttered as cases continued to rise.
Now that casinos are set to open their doors, there is a glimmer of hope for a return to some normality. But what will change when they re-open? We look at the measures that will be set in place.
How will casinos change
If there is no data to suggest an increase in the spread of the coronavirus, then casinos will reopen on the 17th of May with the following stipulations:
- On entry to the casino, you will be required to sanitise your hands. It is recommended you also bring your own hand sanitiser.
- The number of customers allowed in the casino will be limited by the size of the establishment.
- Similarly, the number of players at a single gaming table will also be restricted. Screens will be used to aid social distancing.
- Cash will be accepted, but contactless payments will be urged where possible.
- Safety shields will be used at tills to safeguard customers and staff members.
- Wearing masks will be obligatory – you will be ejected from the premises if you do not wear a face covering.
- Dining will be available – casinos like Grosvenor will allow you to pay from the table or by using an app.
Games available when casinos reopen
Slots and table games like roulette and blackjack will all be available once casinos reopen. However, there are some changes to accommodate social distancing measures.
- Spaces between slot machines have been increased and there will be fewer machines on the gaming floor.
- The number of players on a single table game will be restricted. Additionally, screens will be used to protect players/ the dealer. The croupier and table goers will also wear face coverings.
- Poker games will also operate with fewer tournaments due to social distancing measures and a decrease in staff. Masks will have to be worn at poker tables and screens will be used.
- Pre-registration is recommended to ensure all players will get a spot.
Online is still the safest play
While land-based casinos have endured a miserable year – online casinos are flourishing and currently offer the safest way to gamble.
Online Casinos allow you to play all the same slots & table games as land based casinos but with the added benefit of sign-up bonuses being offered, such as the Betwinner promo code, to entice more players to sign-up with them, it is the safest way to play casino games and with live casino, you can even enjoy the company of a real dealer.
Still, it doesn’t beat the real thing – and thankfully, the real thing will return!